UN chief urges all to build on sustainable development effects of 2016 Olympic Games

The first-ever Olympic Games in Latin America, the Rio 2016 Olympics concluded yesterday with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraging stakeholders “to secure and build on the sustainable development effects of the Games.”

Solidarity in Rio
Solidarity in Rio. Brazil’s acting president Michel Temer, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Back, Rio de Janeiro Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão and First Lady Maria Lucia Horta Jardim and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Image: Beto Barata/PR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian people, the Rio 2016 Local Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for having successfully concluded the 2016 Olympic Games.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban expressed deep appreciation ‘for the hospitality, diversity and capabilities of the Brazilian people and the world of sport, displayed at the first-ever Olympic Games in Latin America.”

He also recalled, with pleasure and honour, his participation at the opening ceremony, in the Olympic Torch relay, visit to the Olympic Village and attending some of the events.

In the statement, the Secretary-General also applauded [the] historic achievement and encouraged all stakeholders “to secure and build on the sustainable development effects of the Games.”

The UN chief also recalled his meeting with the 10-member Refugee Olympic Team that participated in the Games under the Olympic flag.

The team was supported by the UN refugee agency and the IOC, and their participation brought global attention to the global refugee crisis and served as a symbol of hope for refugees worldwide.

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